Silicone antifoams are extensively used where product or process foaming problems are encountered. Foam is a mass of bubbles created when certain types of gas are dispersed into a liquid and the dispersion is then stabilized. High-strength films of liquid surround the bubbles, forming large volumes of non-productive foam. Silicone antifoams are used extensively where product or process foaming problems are encountered.
While the actual cause of foam is a complicated study in physical chemistry, its existence presents serious problems in both the operation of industrial processes and the quality of finished products. If not controlled, foam can reduce equipment capacity and increase processing time and expense.
Chemical defoamers have proven to be the most effective and economical method to control foam. Two types of silicone antifoams are available:
